Based on my research, tea sommelier qualifications are not widely taught within the official European educational system. There are, however, various well-known organizations that offer recognized programs which cater to different levels of experience and provide comprehensive training in tea knowledge, sensory skills, and service. Individuals can also find courses from regional tea institutions that focus on specific aspects of tea, from production to tasting. One of key European institutions are the UK Tea Academy and European Speciality Tea Association. I would like to focus on one particular school which I believe offers one of the best training.
L’École du Thé of the Palais has been providing training in Paris since 1999, offering curricula focusing on the science of tea tasting. In 2016, the École du Thé began to offer a degree in tea sommelier studies, originally designed for professionals and soon to be available to the public.
Training accessible to everybody
The school strongly believes that everybody is capable of appreciating the subtlety of a Chinese green tea and comparing two Himalayan grands crus harvested a few days apart. For seventeen years, they have been sharing expertise by providing beginner tea-tasting classes. This was the origin of the École du Thé. Over the years, they have developed a curriculum that emphasizes sensory experience, baked on an innovative pedagogical approach. Their classes emphasize the relationship between olfaction and taste, and they foster the progressive development of increasing tasting expertise.
The program
All students firstly get involved in detailed exploration of tea, then gradually move to master tasting techniques and learn the new terminology. They acquire the whole breadth of knowledge of the tea sommelier. There are five levels of gaining knowledge supported by a specially crafted curriculum.
Level 1
This level takes you into the first steps to explore the world of tea. It is essential exposure before you start any apprenticeship in tea. Travelling around the world through a sequence of images and study materials, each student is led through the universe of plantations all over the world, exploring tea, its history and civilization.
Level 2
This level is about an apprenticeship in tea and tasting. It consists of a series of classes which constitute the basis of the apprenticeship program of the school. It gives an introduction to all aspects of tea and tasting. It provides knowledge about the tea plant and its transformation, techniques of tea preparation, mechanisms of tasting and exploration of the most tea producing countries.
Level 3
This level contains practical sessions on olfaction and taste. These sessions are built around a pedagogical approach that is proprietary to the École du Thé. The training emphasises the close connection between olfaction and tasting. Sessions are scheduled around tastings of a series of teas. The aim is to learn how to distinguish the various nuances of each. Samples of teas tasted are shared with students at the end of the class in order for them to pursue studies at home.
Level 4
This level is a deeper dive into tea tasting. For the most seasoned tasters, the École du Thé offers blind tastings which involve the exploration of a series of four/five teas without any additional information than what is revealed by tasting. These classes give participants the chance to receive advice and benefit from knowledge of the best tea experts.
Level 5
The last stage is immersing yourself in the world of tea fully. Taught by outside professionals such as historians, chefs or well known authorities on tea, these sessions address topics related to the art of civilization of tea. Conferences give students the opportunity to meet others who are equally fascinated by tea and are recognized for their expertise.
The tea sommelier degree course
Encompassing courses on all five levels is specifically designed for students who have decided to become professional tea sommeliers. Since 2016 École du Thé has awarded its degree of Tea Sommelier to qualified candidates. They have completed the specific course of study and passed theoretical and practical examinations to demonstrate their mastery of the subject.
If you are interested in becoming a tea sommelier, this school is worth investing your time in.
For more details you can go to the school website: https://www.ecoleduthe.com/paris/
Happy tea time!